I am fortunate to work with many wonderful clients who are big picture thinkers and many times, we become good friends. This makes my job so much more enjoyable.  Being a real estate agent is hard.  And while I know what you are thinking as I have heard it all before …”Agents make all this money and these houses sell themselves. You make the big bucks!”  On and on  …

The truth is that it is the hardest job that I have ever had.  Keep in mind that I have re-invented myself over the years a few times ~ media sales rep, stager/designer and now real estate professional.

Sometimes though, the best part of my job has nothing to do with the transaction and selling a house is not about the price or the commission or the close of escrow.  It has a much deeper meaning.

Last year, I had to honor to list a beautiful property that was very unique. I knew going in that it would take a very specific buyer.  We were on the market several months, went through price reductions and ongoing meetings and strategies about different marketing tactics.  My sellers were always so kind and understanding.  I worked primarily with their daughter.  Over the months, she and I communicated almost daily as we worked as a team.  I am sure we both wondered if we would ever bring this one to a close. When we finally got into contract, it was a rather challenging escrow. When it came time to sign the closing documents, I sat with her and her parents and we talked about the many wonderful memories they had in the house as they had built it in 1985. We talked about parties and events and music playing and dancing and their hope that the new owners would be able to make the same amazing memories that they had in their home.

Many times when a house takes longer to sell and there are price reductions, the homeowners want to blame their agent and perhaps this is what made this transaction one I will always treasure.

My client thanked me and said, “You never gave up and we appreciate all your hard work and efforts.”

It was such a meaningful message and even writing this, I get a big choked up.  They reminded me of my own parents and all the amazing memories we had on the farm in Ohio and when I left that day, I sat in my car and just cried.

Sometimes it has nothing to do with the numbers but more importantly with the meaning and the emotions. That day I felt very blessed but also very homesick for my mom and dad.